Wollaston council has declared a state of local emergency after consultation between Council and staff.
“The spread of COVID-19, on a global scale, has created an extraordinary event that requires extraordinary measures,” a statement from the Township opens.
Hastings County declared a public emergency on Thursday, following Ontario doing the same last week.
“I do not make this call lightly,” Reeve Shaw stated. “This is a proactive measure that provides an additional assurance of support and survival that our small Municipality will be relying on as this crisis continues. Our world is changing and the efforts we make within the Township today will provide a greater likelihood of survival and sustainability of our people, our resources and our way of life.”
Reeve Barb Shaw said during an electronic meeting of council on Friday that she believes this event will “threaten Municipal capabilities and undoubtedly result in economic losses.” She added that this pandemic will force them to rely on volunteer help as the situation continues to evolve. This declaration allows Council to provide more coverage and protection for the volunteers.
During the meeting, steps were also taken so that the Municipality can still function while allowing staff to work from home, approving delegated authority and allowing for further remote, electronic meetings.
“Now it’s time to stay home, to stay safe,” Shaw said. “We are fortunate to have had some time to prepare for the impact and I thank staff, Council and Municipal volunteers for making such an effort to sustain our community.”